Dr. Max T. Rodibaugh, 69, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his beloved wife and children at his home in Frankfort, IN on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
Max, the second of seven children, was born September 11, 1952 to John A. “Jack” and Emily Rodibaugh in Rensselaer, IN. He grew up on a pig farm that provided the foundation for his passion for swine veterinary medicine, taught him the value of hard work, and fostered countless opportunities for learning but also ornery antics from time to time. Max greatly admired his parents who provided him with a loving example and taught him how to treat others well and serve his community. Growing up, he was known as a fast long-distance runner, rising leader in his 4-H and FFA activities, and a bright thinker with an even brighter personality.
Max graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1970, earned his degree in General Agriculture in 1974 from Purdue University, then his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue in 1977. He was top of his class for each. At Purdue, he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, part of the Livestock Judging team, and served as the Indiana FFA State President his freshman year.
A spring day in 1974 turned out to be Max’s luckiest ever when Carol Schreiber, by the grace of God, said yes when he asked, “Do you want to go get a donut or not?” From those humble pastry beginnings to their marriage on June 4, 1977 and the nearly 45 years following, theirs was a truly amazing partnership exuding love and teamwork.
Carol was instrumental in Max’s professional career and growth, serving as his first office assistant (working for free!) when he started one of the nation’s first swine-only veterinary practices in 1980 based in a former fast-food restaurant in Frankfort, IN. The practice grew to serve clients across the country and internationally, and today it continues to operate as AMVC Swine Health Services in a newly renovated office (an old bowling alley this time!) in Frankfort.
Thanks to a steadfast co
mmitment to professionalism, veterinary ethics, and prioritizing the client’s best interests, Max gained a reputation as an expert in the field of swine medicine and trusted advisor to peers and pork producers everywhere. He was a sought-after speaker, mentor, and leader in numerous industry organizations. Once, he even received a phone call from former IU basketball coach Bobby Knight seeking counsel for a pork producer friend of his – quite the surprise for a die-hard Boilermaker fan, and a favorite anecdote for years thereafter!
Max’s dedication to the profession he loved resulted in many industry awards, culminating most recently with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) Heritage Award, a peer-nominated award for lifelong outstanding achievements in swine medicine. He is only the sixth recipient of the award in the history of the organization.
Max gave back generously to his community. As a decades-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Frankfort, he faithfully participated on several committees and the church’s leadership council. He also served the broader Clinton County community through the United Way Board of Directors and as Board President.
Aside from his professional and community service, Max was known as a fun-loving, positive, always-smiling, present force in the lives of his three children and seven grandchildren. “Pops” delighted his grandkids by providing plenty of good-natured teasing, tickling and silly faces. He was very proud to introduce ice cream and other sweet treats to his grandchildren at lower minimum ages than their parents anticipated! He taught each of his children and grandchildren to never stop learning and live each day to the fullest. One of his favorite questions often used to quiz his grandkids was “Do you know beans from apple butter?!”
Max is survived by his wife, Carol and children Paul (Natalie) of Bloomington, IN, Todd (Lynn) of Carmel, IN and Leslie (Daniel) Stauffer of Wabash, IN. Also surviving are his mother, Emily, brothers David (Danita), Jim (Teri), John (Debbie), Steven (Shannon) and sisters Betsy (Kerry) Keffaber and Peggy (Rick) Goodman. Max was preceded in death by his father Jack.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022 from 2-8 pm EDT at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2029 State Rd 39, Frankfort, IN 46041. A memorial service will take place Friday, May 27, 2022 at 10:30 am EDT at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S Main St, Frankfort, IN 46041 and will also be available via Livestream, a link will be available on goodwinfuneralhome.com. Private family burial will be held at Bunnell Cemetery, Frankfort, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to United Way of Clinton County, PO Box 871 Frankfort, IN 46041, The Max and Carol Rodibaugh Family Veterinary Scholarship, 403 W Wood St, West Lafayette, IN 47907 or online at connect.purdue.edu/imomaxrodibaugh, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2029 State Rd 39, Frankfort, IN 46041.
Thank you to all family, friends, colleagues, clients, and medical staff who provided countless acts of kindness, caring and support to Max and his family especially the past couple years. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com, to leave a message for the family.